GCC branding of Hezbollah as terrorist a new mistake: Iran

Iran says a decision by Persian Gulf Arab states to brand Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a terrorist group is a “new mistake” that will undermine peace in the region and unity in Lebanon.

The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Wednesday decided to implement the terrorist designation against Hezbollah because of what it described as hostile acts by the Lebanese resistance.

“Those who call Hezbollah terrorists, have intentionally or unintentionally targeted the unity and security of Lebanon,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday.

The GCC decision came after Saudi Arabia retracted its military aid pledge worth $4 billion to Lebanon and banned its citizens from traveling to the country.

“The terrorism tag for Hezbollah, the most potent resistance movement, and inattention to the Zionist regime’s atrocities is a new mistake which doesn’t benefit the regional stability and security,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

The official reiterated Iran’s support for Hezbollah which is famed for waging a successful battle against Israel and is currently aiding the Syrian government to thwart a campaign by militants to overtake the Arab country.

“We are proud of Lebanon’s Hezbollah as the vanguard of resistance against the Zionist regime and the champion of the fight against terrorism in the region,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

The official said “national unity, security and stability of Lebanon as well as support for convergence among all Lebanese groups forms the basis of Iran’s policy.”